Basic Biochemistry
What is Biochemistry? Biochemistry is the study of the chemical interactions of living things. Biochemists study the structures and physical properties of biological molecules. Often are involved in the manufacture of new drugs and medical treatments
Biochemistry: where chemistry and biology meet head-on Living things require millions of chemical reactions within the body, just to survive. Metabolism = all the chemical reactions occurring in the body. Organic molecules: usually associated with living things. always contain CARBON. are “large” molecules, with many atoms always have covalent bonds (share electrons)
Composition of an Atom Protons: Nucleus, positive charge Neutrons: Nucleus, no charge Electron: Energy levels, negative charge
Isotopes Atoms of the same element with a different number of neutrons. Benefits: the radiation given off of some isotopes can be used to treat cancer and kill bacteria that cause food to spoil. Can also be used as “tracers” to follow the movement of substances thru the body.
Bonding There are 2 main types of bonds: Ionic: When atoms transfer electrons Covalent: When atoms share electrons
Acids & Bases Acids have a pH of 0-6 Bases have a pH of 7-14 Neutral = 7 What is the optimal pH of human blood? 7.4
Buffers Substances that can absorb or release H + as levels fluctuate within living systems to help maintain a constant pH Example: Carbonic Acid Bicarbonate (buffer that helps maintain pH of the blood)
Macromolecules of Cells Macro = large 4 types of macromolecules in cellular biology 1. Carbohydrates 2. Lipids 3. Proteins 4. Nucleic Acids
Macromolecule #1: Carbohydrates Sugars and groups of sugars Purposes: energy and structure Includes three types: Monosaccharide (1 sugar – quick energy) Disaccharide (2 sugars – short storage) Polysaccharide (many sugars – energy long storage & form structures)
Macromolecule #1: Carbohydrates Polysaccharide Examples: Glycogen—glucose polymer stored for future energy needs. Found in liver, muscle and sperm, etc. Cellulose—glucose polymer used to form fibers for plant structures. Humans can’t digest (fiber). Most abundant organic molecule. Chitin—glucose polymer for exoskeletons of some crustaceans & insects.
Polysaccharides
Macromolecule #2: Lipids Insoluble in water (think oil & water) 4 types: 1-triglycerides (fats & oils) (long-term energy storage, insulation) 2-phospholipids (primary component of cell membrane) 3-steroids (cell signaling) cholesterol molecules modified to form sex hormones. (e.g. testosterone, estrogen, etc.) 4-waxes (protection, prevents water loss) Used mainly by plants, but also bees, some furry animals and humans.
Triglycerides
Phospholipids
Steroids
Waxes
Macromolecule #3: Proteins Probably the most complicated of all biological molecules. Serve the most varied purposes, including: Support structural proteins (e.g., keratin, collagen) Enzymes speed up chemical reactions Transport cell membranes channels, transporters in blood (e.g., Hemoglobin) Defense antibodies of the immune system Hormones cell signaling (e.g., insulin) Motion contractile proteins (e.g., actin, myosin)
Collagen
Antibodies
Cellular Transport
actin & myosin fibers in muscles Motion
Macromolecule #3: Proteins The building blocks of proteins are AMINO ACIDS. There are only 20 types of Amino Acids. There are millions of different proteins, and they are all built from different combinations of the 20 amino acids. Amino acids join together to form peptides, polypeptides, and polypeptide chains.
Enzymes Act as a lock and key Specific: One substrate fits one enzyme Reusable: One enzyme can break down many substrates
Competitive Inhibition In competitive inhibition, the inhibitor binds to the same active site as the normal enzyme substrate, without undergoing a reaction.active site
Induced Fit Model In this model, the enzyme changes shape on substrate binding. The active site forms a shape complementary to the substrate only after the substrate has been bound
Macromolecule #4: Nucleic Acids Nucleotides: building blocks of nucleic acids. Each nucleotide contains (a) phosphate molecule, (b) nitrogenous base, and (c) 5-carbon sugar Several types of nucleic acids, including: DNA: deoxyribonucleic acid Genetic material, double stranded helix RNA: ribonucleic acid Genetic material, single stranded ATP: adenosine triphosphate High energy compound
DNA
Nucleotide Structure
THE BIG PICTURE Chemistry is essential for life…